Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. Applicants will be referred in the following order: First - Current Permanent Federal Employees Other Agencies; Second - U.S. Citizens

General Description:
This is considered FPL for a CLS. A CLS at this level independently carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory. Incumbent may be assigned to any division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Performs a full range of laboratory procedures in the areas of chemistry, urinalysis, hematology, coagulation, Microbiology/Molecular, serology and/or immunochemistry with minimal oversight. These procedures include but are not limited to evaluate QC and calibration files, therapeutic drug monitoring, CBC's and manual differentials, and PCR testing. Incumbent may serve as an analyzer key operator, Laboratory Safety/Biosafety officer, or be assigned functions of the quality management program. Performs specimen collection and processing procedures in the absence of appropriate staffing.

Functions:
a) Schedules and prioritizes laboratory testing to meet provider demands as well as to accommodate the urgent testing needs of the General Medicine/Urgent Care departments.
b) Evaluates requested procedures to determine the suitability of specimen for analysis, requesting new patient specimens as necessary if the original is determined unsatisfactory.
c) Prepares reagents and primary reference materials.
d) Updates and evaluates the performance of reference materials prior to patient testing.
e) Selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of non-routine and specialized test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols.
f) Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts, and maintains single and multi-channel laboratory analyzers.
g) Updates, evaluates, and performs quality control procedures on equipment, reagents and products, and maintains proper records for quality control reports.
h) Evaluates and recommends new tests to be incorporated into the laboratory testing menu.
i) Confer with the appropriate laboratory management to determine requirements for non-standard tests. Determines the validity of test results and the variations/dilutions required to acquire a satisfactory test result determination, unless outlined in laboratory procedures.
j) Instructs providers, residents, nursing staff and others in laboratory specimen requirements for specific laboratory tests.
k) Works as a senior member of the laboratory testing team, assessing test result in relation to patient medical condition.
i) Practices laboratory safety in order to reduce contamination and infection to patients, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of personal protective equipment. The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the medical center, laboratory services and participate in safety assurance activities as directed. This includes following all policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable environmental regulations & requirements being a good steward of the environment through pollution prevention, waste minimization and resource conservation.
m) Maintains records and files of tests performed on patients.
n) Properly identifies patient specimen through the use of two patient identifier requirements. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient tests does not occur. The technologist must be certain that the patient specimen and the request are identical. When collecting biological samples, the technologist must ask each patient to verbally confirm his or her name and date of birth or DOD ID numbers.
o) Responsible for the inventory and stocking of all laboratory supplies and reagents.
p) Must have the skills necessary to operate highly sophisticated computer controlled multi-channel analyzers.
q) Must be able to do basic trouble shooting of laboratory analyzers including interacting with vendor technical staff in person or by telephone.
r) Must have computer skills required to look up, accession, test and verify results in the laboratory LIS program.
s) Responsible for assuming various rotating schedules as determined by the service chief or delegated technologist.
t) Consults with clinicians or reviews patient clinical history in LIS. Compares test results from other sections of the lab to support observations. Refers cases to Pathologist or Service Chief for critical review as appropriate.
u) Must use critical judgment in the evaluation of test discrepancies, taking appropriate action as detailed in test protocols.
v) Conducts training and instruction for new employees and students.


Work Schedule: 0830-1700
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact V20CompensationTeam@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Available

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Education. A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. NOTE: The Supervisory CLS (Laboratory Director), GS-15, requires unique education requirements. Please reference the education requirements located in that assignment below.
• Certification. (1) Candidates must meet one of the certification options below. (a) Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT. (b) Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT. (c) Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT. NOTE: Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the categorical or specialist certification held. Categorical or specialist certifications are acceptable for higher-graded positions within the relevant lab section or one of the non-section specific assignments (including, Ancillary Testing Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Laboratory Information Manager, Quality Manager, Laboratory Manager, Regional Technical Specialist, National Quality and Compliance Agent, Regional Program Manager, Regional Director, Laboratory Director, or National Quality and Compliance Officer).

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

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